Anelka eyes new Chelsea contract before finishing his days in the MLS
Nicolas Anelka would love to extend his time at Chelsea until 2014 before heading for a big-money move abroad.
17 Dec 2009 - 09:15:04
Nicolas Anelka would love to extend his time at Chelsea until 2014 before heading for a big-money move abroad.
The 30-year-old still has around 18 months left on his current contract with the Premier League club but talks over a new deal have been mooted.
And Anelka, who has never spent more than two-and-a-half years at any club, insists he wants to see out his best days at Stamford Bridge.
'I would love to sign for another three further years,' he told French newspaper 20 minutes. 'I still have one year left. I see myself playing here until I'm 34. And that would not be the end of my career.
Sign me up: Anelka wants to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge
'Afterwards I don't know. I could go to the Middle East, to Qatar, Abu Dhabi or the United States. I don't know. I have often been criticised for changing clubs. At the same time, it's good to experience different things, whether it's in Turkey or Spain.
'Everywhere has enriched me. It's a mentality different to that in France.'
Anelka, who has played in France, England, Spain and Turkey, admits a move to the Middle East or America would be little more than a money-spinning end to his career.
'I wouldn't be going to Qatar to play the Champions League,' he added. 'In any case that doesn't exist. It (the money) is the truth.'
Brother in arms: Anelka (right) with Chelsea's powerhouse forward Didier Drogba
Anelka is enjoying a new lease of life under Carlo Ancelotti, who was installed as Chelsea boss last summer and seems to have cracked the code on how to best utilise Didier Drogba and the France international.
'In a way I have never felt as strong on the pitch,' continued Anelka. 'When I was asked to play as an out-and-out striker, you never saw me doing what I'm doing now.
'That's why I always wanted to play behind the striker. Showing what I can do other than score goals. I've rarely had the chance to do that.
'When I signed for Chelsea I absolutely wanted to play with Didier upfront. From the first year they put us in competition. But to play bothof us together is the best solution and Ancelotti has understood thatwell, and me, playing freely, well it's extraordinary.
'The fact that my football has been understood allows me to be happy in life. I know that I am understood.'
While Anelka is thriving in club football like never before, France are struggling. Les Bleus qualified for next summer's World Cup by the skin of their teeth and the pressure on Raymond Domenech has reached boiling point.
But Anelka has leapt to the defence of his under-fire coach, claiming he is even better than Aime Jacquet who led France to the World Cup in 1998.
'I've never been able to talk like this before with a France coach,' he said. 'Before, there was [Jacques] Santini - it was impossible to talk to him. [Roger] Lemerre, likewise. [Aime] Jacquet? Impossible too.
All friends here: Anelka insists he and Domenech (pictured) have a good relationship
'Despite what people say, it's with Domenech that I have the best relationship. Things change quickly - today he is the hated figure, like Aime Jacquet in his time. Now, Jacquet is the kind. Because he won a World Cup.
'Everything can change quickly. You just have to be patient, be strong mentally. And he's patient. 'Maybe in six months he will be the 'Boss' and no-one can insult him.'
France only reached South Africa with a controversial play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland - courtesy of a Thierry Henry handball setting up the decisive goal.
They have been roundly criticised across the globe and in France itself but Anelka believes now is the time to put that incident behind them.
And the former Paris St Germain forward has urged the French people to get fully behind them.
'We have never felt supported," said Anelka, who believes Les Bleus are capable of World Cup glory. That's why we're always in a rage.
'You mustn't think that we don't know when we play badly. After the return match against Ireland, myself, [Patrice] Evra and Titi [Henry] said: 'We were lousy!'
'All that should be considered now is that France are qualified. If it [the handball] had happened against us, we would have started crying. But no, this year, we're not crying. We're going there.
'Now, we're going there to win. There are some people who will laugh at that, but in our heads we can do it.'
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